WASHINGTON (WJLA) - D.C. police are searching for a man who posed as a cable repairman in order to gain entry into two Northeast homes and steal property Thursday - one of which is the home of D.C. Democratic mayoral nominee Muriel Bowser's parents.

Both incidents occurred around 9 a.m. Thursday. The homes are located in the 4800 block of 7th Street NE and the 1000 block of Crittenden Place NE.

Joe and Joan Bowser, who live in the 7th street home, told D.C. police that a man posing as an employee for a cable company paid them an unexpected visit. The couple's surveillance video shows them letting the suspect in.

By the time they realized he wasn't the cable guy, it was too late. The thief got away with an iPhone.

Veronica Lyles Graves lives with her parents next door.

"I was concerned because the Bowsers were home alone. Although they are independent, there were no younger people in the house with them. And my parents were home alone [next door]."

Another resident of 57 years said this kind of crime is unheard of in this tight-knit neighborhood.

"It's very quiet. People are very supportive of each other. And we practically know each other," she told ABC7.

In the second incident, which happened about an hour later, the thief stole a purse with ATM and American Express cards, along with the victim's driver's license.

Graves said it takes a desperate person to do what this thief did.

"They're able or willing to do anything to survive in their world, and whatever it takes."

Police released a YouTube video that shows the suspected burglar on the Bowsers' security camera.

“Having your home, your place of sanctuary, violated is one of the worst things that can happen to you,” Bowser said. “Thankfully, both of my parents are safe, although a bit shaken."

"I want to thank MPD for their quick response and am confident the perpetrator will be apprehended.”

Bowser said the incident serves a reminder to everyone to be aware of one's surroundings, as well as look out for their neighbors.

“This just goes to show that we all need to stay vigilant and ask for identification when someone we do not know, or did not expect, knocks on our door,” she said.

Anyone who thinks they may recognize the man in the video or have any other information about these crimes is asked to call the Metropolitan Police Department at 202-727-9099. Additionally, anonymous information may be submitted to the department's text tip line by text messaging 50411.